Film: Coalition challenge films
Independent filmmaking can be a very worthy career (bringing hidden issues to the public, celebrating unknown communities, making art for the sake of creativity…) but it can also be a very difficult one. From long shoots to scraping together a budget or even just finding a way to try expensive camera equipment before buying, it helps to not be alone.
Forming a production company with friends can be a great way of starting out with some support but, equally, it’s likely you’ll all be in the same boat when it comes to experience. Which is where a larger organisation, involving people of different ages and backgrounds within the industry, can really be of use.
The Brighton Filmmakers Coalition was formed in 2008 and originally was a way for independent film makers in the city to come together, socialise and trade information, advice or equipment, but quickly banded together to make a film – William Ranieri’s Meat, which was recently screened on LatestTV as part of FilmFest on 8.
The Coalition then evolved to monthly film challenges. From filming a short within 48 hours – conceptualizing on Friday night, shooting on a Saturday and then editing to screen on a Sunday evening – to making a 10 minute film from just 30 seconds of footage. From its roots as a free networking and resource group for Brighton filmmakers the coalition has gone on to create some truly creative short films.
A good number of these films can be seen on this week’s FilmFest, playing on Sunday night at 9pm. If you’ve missed the show then hop online to www.thelatest.tv for our catch up service!
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker then pop along to the next meeting of the BFC – they have now banded together with Shooters in the Pub, the national community group for those working in the film or television industry.
On the first Monday of every month you will find the group in the bar at the Duke of York’s, preparing for their next exciting project. Remember though, there are twenty-two times more viewings of films on television than there are in the cinema, so if you really want to get your name and your films known, TV is the way to go! If you have a film you would like shown on LatestTV, whether it be long or short, drama or documentary, email me: Jessica@thelatest.tv
Follow me: @latestjessica
